Although randomized controlled trials (RCTs) play a key role in modern medicine, considerable variability exists in their quality and in the reliability (reproducibility) of their results. The present article discusses features that characterize high-quality trials, such as intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis, the avoidance of patient exclusions, and a procedure for evaluating the reliability of study results. A single serious problem can sometimes invalidate a study. However, most often one must weigh the impact of various strengths and weaknesses of aspects of study design, conduct, and analysis. A companion article1 on the design of RCTs appeared in a previous issue of this journal.
CITATION STYLE
Stanley, K. (2007). Statistical Primer for Cardiovascular Research: Evaluation of Randomized Controlled Trials. Circulation, 115(13), 1819–1822. Retrieved from http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/115/13/1819.short
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